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Ethiopian 10,000m world record holder Almaz Ayana made a statement of intent as she ran the fastest time to qualify for the 5,000m final at the Rio Olympic Games. Her time of 15 minutes, 4.35 seconds, 13 seconds faster than compatriot Teferi Senbere. Olympics silver medalist Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, alongside compatriots Hellen Obiri and Mercy Cherono also made the final. Kenyan-born Yasemin Can, running for Turkey, also qualified for the finals

Defending champion Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria and his 2008 Olympic counterpart Asbel Kiprop of Kenya qualified for the semi finals of the race on Friday. Also through are Uganda's Ronald Musagala, Djibouti's Ayanley Souleiman and Kenyan duo of Ronald Kwemoi and Elijah Manangoi.

Olympic champion Usain Bolt eased into Thursday's semi-finals of the 200 meters, staying on course to win a second medal in Rio. Fellow countrymen Yohan Blake and Nickel Ashmeade also qualified, along with Rio 100m silver medalist Justin Gatlin. Thursday's semi-final will gauge who goes through to the finals on Friday.